New target for repairing the heart after heart attack

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication:  31 January 2020

Publication type: News

In a nutshell:  During a heart attack, the heart is starved of oxygen and the heart muscle is damaged. The human heart can’t repair this damage, and a scar forms. To begin with this scar is helpful, but in the long-run it can stop the heart from beating properly, leading to heart failure.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:   British Heart Foundation

The oily fish with blood pressure powers

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication:  17 February 2020

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell:  Researchers have found that oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines or mussels, could help protect our hearts and brains from disease. They are found to be rich in an important type of polyunsaturated fat called omega-3, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Low blood pressure is something we should all strive for, as high blood pressure poses a serious threat to our health over time.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:   British Heart Foundation

New study could prevent future heart attacks and stroke for chest pain patients

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: 20th January 2020

Publication type: Research/News

In a nutshell:  Doctors could better identify the warning signs of a future heart attack or stroke in patients with undiagnosed chest pain, thanks to a new study funded by us at Keele University.

Now, they have been awarded more than £200,000 for researchers for a study that will aim to determine which characteristics predict future heart attacks or stroke in patients who do not get a specific diagnosis for their chest pain.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:  British Heart Foundation

Advance care planning for adults with heart failure

Source: Cochrane Library of Systematic Review

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Date of publication:  27 February 2020

Publication type: Review

In a nutshell:  People with heart failure report various symptoms and show a trajectory of periodic exacerbations and recoveries, where each exacerbation event may lead to death. Current clinical practice guidelines indicate the importance of discussing future care strategies with people with heart failure. Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of discussing an individual’s future care plan according to their values and preferences, and involves the person with heart failure, their family members or surrogate decision‐makers, and healthcare providers. Although it is shown that ACP may improve discussion about end‐of‐life care and documentation of an individual’s preferences, the effects of ACP for people with heart failure are uncertain.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Acknowledgement:  Cochrane Library of Systematic Review

Health matters: physical activity – prevention and management of long-term conditions

Source: British association for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation

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Date of publication:  04 Feb 2020

Publication type: Guidance

In a nutshell:  One in 3 adults in England live with a long-term health condition and they are twice as likely to be amongst the least physically active. However, evidence shows that regular physical activity can help prevent or manage many common conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It also helps keep symptoms under control, prevent additional conditions from developing, and reduce inequalities.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Acknowledgement:  British association for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation

Good sleep linked to lower risk of heart attack and stroke

Source: NHS Behind the headlines  

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Date of publication:  19 December 2019 (lower case)

Publication type:  news item

In a nutshell:  Restful night ‘cuts risk’ of heart attack

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Acknowledgement:    NHS Behind the headlines